Tell us why you became a teacher

After 30 years in healthcare, I had the privilege of watching students grow as they trained in the hospital. I loved mentoring them building meaningful connections with each person. Teaching became a natural next step - I wanted to guide the next generation, help them discover their passions, not just knowledge, but compassion and purpose of their work.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching moment was my first year with a group of juniors. One student seemed to struggle, so I met with her and asked how she felt about the class. She shared that she learned best hands-on. That conversation changed everything. I began asking all students about their learning styles and how they prefer feedback. It transformed how I communicate and support every student.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would create programs that strengthen community, teambuilding, and self-awareness in my classroom. Funds would support, hands-on workshops, team, base projects, guest speakers, and reflective learning activities. I would also invest in resources that promote collaboration and leadership skills, in sure students not only gain knowledge, but also learned how to work together and grow as confident, self-aware individuals.